Sardinian Parasitic Plants Cytinus Hypocistis And Cynomorium Coccineum As Effective Sources Of Biological Active Compounds

ZUCCA, PAOLO;SANJUST, ENRICO;ROSA, ANTONELLA;NIEDDU, MARIELLA;ARGIOLAS, ANTONIO;RINALDI, ANDREA;RESCIGNO, ANTONIO

2016-01-01

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Abstract

Cytinus hypocistis (Cytinaceae) and Cynomorium coccineum (Cynomoriaceae) are two Mediterranean parasitic plants, wildly diffused in Sardinia and well-known for several ethnopharmacological activities [1-2]. Nevertheless, only partially confirmation have been reported so far. To explore their potential, we undertook a thorough biological study. Water and methanol extracts from both plants presented intriguing biological activities, due to a high content in phenolics (Table 1). The main active components were identified as gallic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside [2]. Antioxidant activity was determined with both ET (FRAP, DPPH, and TEAC-ABTS) and HAT assays (ORAC-pyrogallol). Both plants were active against clinical isolate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Significant differences were found in the cytotoxic properties of the two plants. In fact, whereas Cynomorium was toxic against tumoral line B16F10, Cytinus did not have a significant effect even at the highest dose (1000μg/mL). In C. coccineum, even pro-erectile function was detected, confirming traditional use. Altogether these activities are promising in the perspective of potential nutraceutical applications. [1] Zucca P, et al. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:562 [2] Zucca P, et al. Nutrients 2013; 5:149